Engel v. Vitale (1962) decision involved which constitutional clause?

• A. Establishment Clause
• B. Free Exercise Clause
• C. Due Process Clause
• D. Equal Protection Clause

Answer: (A)

This question tests knowledge of the Establishment Clause, which bars the government from endorsing or supporting a religion. Engel v. Vitale involved a daily, state-written, school-sponsored prayer in public schools. The Supreme Court ruled that allowing the school to initiate a prayer, even a non-denominational one, amounted to government endorsement of religion and thus violated the First Amendment. The decision reinforces the principle that public institutions, including schools, must remain neutral toward religion.

This isn’t about individuals’ rights to practice religion (that would be the Free Exercise Clause), nor about fair procedures (Due Process) or equal treatment under the law (Equal Protection).